OUR sprint star, Julien Alfred, is now a major source of motivation for the young people of our nation.
During her recent visit to her beloved Saint Lucia, I noticed a young girl, perhaps about nine-years-old, taking a close look at her medals. The young girl was touching and examining the gold and silver medals.
As an educator who has worked with students for several decades, I am certain that young student will use those medals as a source of motivation for her. Not only that but students and young people of our nation will be motivated by Julien’s achievement in athletics.
Now, what is achievement motivation? Achievement Motivation is the desire to experience success and to participate in activities in which success depends on personal effort and abilities.
Indeed, achievement motivation requires that one sets himself or herself a goal or goals. These goals should be easily measured. I mean what are the factors or indicators which will point to or help the goal-setter to determine whether or not that he or she is steadily getting closer to his or her goal or goals?
Indeed, we know that Julien Alfred had reached that point in her journey. I heard her say, on more than one occasion, that at times she felt like turning and going back to her home. Frustrations, in several ways, were hitting her. But she continued to persevere!
Now what is perseverance? Perseverance is a continued effort to achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.
Indeed, one of Julien’s goals must have been to become an Olympic gold medallist. And there were those who were available to provide constant support or motivation: her parents, local and overseas coaches, the government of St. Lucia and friends.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and members of his government provided constant support to Juju, our sprint star, which helped her to persevere. I have since learned that the Minister of Sports, Hon Kenson Casimir, was present in the stands in Paris when Julien Alfred won her gold Olympic medal. No doubt, his presence was a source of motivation for Juju. The Hon. Kenson Casimir must have been bellowing: “Go Juju, go”.
Indeed, following on the heels of her Olympic gold performance was her winning of a silver medal in the 200 metres. So, she would be bringing home two medals, Olympic gold and silver.
Indeed, Juju came home on September 24, to shouts, chants, bellows and rousing applause from her Saint Lucian people. It was a time, a day when we were all proud to be Saint Lucians. The crowds who cheered her along the way, in her motorcade were full of energy and love for Juju.
Now, I must admit that the Government of Saint Lucia, the Olympic Committee, and other organisers did an excellent job in organising what is considered a wonderful, warm reception of Juju.
Indeed, all young people and others too, have taken note of Julien’s performance and reception and would desire that to be replicated on their behalf.
Coming back to the issue of Achievement Motivation. There should be a need among our youth to master challenges in all areas such as Sports, Education, Politics, Economics, Sciences, Religion, Literature, Culture etc. Sir Arthur Lewis, Sir Derek Walcott and now Julien Alfred have provided the impetus to pursue their goals and to achieve excellence.
As I come to the end of this article, I wish to present some simple but profound ways of achieving motivation:
(1) Set simple goals that can be measured as you go along;
(2) Make improvements in yourself by improving your skills and abilities and looking for opportunities to do so;
(3) Seek feedback from others. This will inform how you should proceed in the future;
(4) Celebrate success, even though you have to do it yourself;
(5) Constantly evaluate yourself so that you can chart your progress.